Article Title: Journey to Joy: Dr. Nina Joy Mena Shares Wisdom on Mental Health and Empowerment on Wake Up with Dee
On a recent episode of Wake Up with Dee on News & Talk 1380 WAOK, host Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler welcomed a transformative voice in mental health, Dr. Nina Joy Mena, also known as Dr. NJoy. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, including the meaning of trauma-informed care, the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community, and how women can reclaim balance in their lives.
Dr. NJoy is a double board-certified psychiatrist in both General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Based in Atlanta, she currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at CHRIS 180, where she leads with a focus on trauma-informed, compassionate, and culturally responsive care for individuals of all ages. In addition to her clinical leadership, she plays a vital role in medical education as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Associate Program Director of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Morehouse School of Medicine, and she remains active as adjunct faculty at Emory University School of Medicine.
A Leader in Mental Wellness and Community Empowerment
With a rich educational background that includes training from Michigan State University, University of Cincinnati, and Emory University, Dr. NJoy combines academic excellence with a deep passion for healing communities. Her approach to mental health emphasizes understanding people’s life experiences, not just their diagnoses. Through her brand, NJoy LIFE Living In Full Empowerment, LLC, she is helping individuals access tools for emotional wellness, resilience, and purpose.
She is also the host of the Journey to Joy Live podcast, a platform where she shares evidence-based strategies and practical insights rooted in her signature INSPIRE-Joy Method. The podcast has become a space for listeners to reconnect with their inner strength and pursue emotional clarity.
Highlighting Trauma-Informed Care and Reducing Stigma
During the interview, Dr. NJoy discussed the importance of creating systems that respond to the impact of trauma rather than labeling behaviors without context. Her work underscores the need for empathy and culturally competent care, especially for communities of color that have historically been underserved or misunderstood in mental health spaces.
A major focus of her mission is to normalize mental health conversations in Black families, churches, and schools, encouraging proactive wellness rather than reactive treatment. Her advocacy work bridges the gap between clinical expertise and community healing.
Balancing Life as a Wife, Mom, and Boss
Dr. NJoy is not only a physician and academic leader—she is also a wife and mother of three boys, ages 2, 4, and 14. Her latest book, Inspire Joy for the Wife Mom Boss: Balancing It All Without Losing Yourself, is written for women who juggle multiple roles and are ready to prioritize themselves again. Part memoir and part wellness guide, the book offers practical steps for achieving balance without guilt or burnout.
Living Her Own Wellness Journey
An avid long-distance runner, Dr. NJoy has completed 44 half marathons and 9 full marathons, including 4 international races. She views running as a personal form of therapy and a way to stay grounded amid life’s many demands. Her commitment to wellness is not just theoretical—it’s a lived practice.
As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she continues to lead through service and sisterhood, integrating her community values into every area of her professional and personal life.
Connect with Dr. NJoy
Dr. NJoy’s work continues to inspire individuals to take control of their mental health and pursue lives rooted in joy and authenticity. For those interested in learning more about her work, podcast, books, or speaking engagements, she can be found across social media and online platforms:
📘 Facebook: @NJoy LIFE
📸 Instagram: @Dr.NJoy.Life
🎥 YouTube: @DrNJoyLifeMD
🎵 TikTok: @Dr.NJoy.Life
🌐 Website: www.DrNJoyLife.com
A Lasting Impact
The interview served as a powerful reminder that mental wellness should be a daily priority, not a last resort. Through her professional expertise and personal authenticity, Dr. NJoy is redefining what healing looks like—especially for Black women and families navigating high-pressure environments. Her presence on Wake Up with Dee left listeners empowered, informed, and inspired to take steps toward living in full empowerment.
📻 Missed the show? Replays and interviews are available on WAOK’s official site and podcast platforms.
🎙️ Stay tuned to Wake Up with Dee on News & Talk 1380 WAOK for more impactful conversations each week.
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